Toomey-O'Brien Funeral Home, 1043 Westfield Street, West Springfield, MA (2026)

05/21/2026

Charles K. "Chipper" Jahn

Charles K. “Chipper” Jahn, Jr. passed away in Springfield on May 20. Born in Springfield on May 14, 1961 to Charles and Anita (Dubuc) Jahn, Sr., he was 65 years old. Chipper lived in Wilbraham, Palmer and other Massachusetts towns before settling in West Springfield over 30 years ago.

Chipper was a carpenter and framed many homes in the area. He loved collecting Americana memorabilia and swapping stories with fellow construction workers.

In addition to his parents, Chipper was predeceased by his sister Diane “Dee-dee” Bennett. He is survived by his sisters Donna Smith of Malden and Debbie Yates of Tiverton, RI; a nephew Jeremy Smith and niece Michelle Yates.

Services will be private.

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05/21/2026

Blake N Braceland

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Blake Norman Braceland, who left this world far too soon on May 15th, 2026, at the age of 22. Blake lived with a rare intensity and passion for life that left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to have known him. A trailblazer and true original, he approached every challenge with a deep-rooted concern and heart. His entrepreneurial spirit, intelligence, and creativity set him apart, while his genuine compassion and emotional connection to others made people feel seen, valued, and loved. Blake was defined by the impact he made on the people around him. He possessed an incredible ability to lighten the room, lift spirits, and bring energy and compassion into any situation. Whether competing, creating new ideas, making people laugh, or helping someone through a difficult moment, Blake gave his heart and support. Blake excelled in soccer, wrestling, basketball, and lacrosse was the sport he loved the most. On the field, court, and mat, he competed fearlessly, developed countless friendships and supported his teammates with care. Athletics were more than competition to Blake; they were an extension of his energy, passion, and love for teamwork and camaraderie. He will forever be remembered for his beautiful smile, striking blue eyes, loyalty, quick wit, and unforgettable sense of humor. A master practical joker, Blake had a gift for creating moments with his humor that are lifelong memories. Beneath that humor was a fiercely loyal and fragile soul. To his family and closest friends he was deeply caring, loving, protective, and authentic. His presence brought comfort, excitement, laughter, and strength. Though his time here was far too short, the impact he made in 22 years will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved him. Blake is survived by his loving family, including Robert Braceland (Father), Jeanine Fiedler Braceland (Mother), Shea Braceland (sister), Terri-Lee Fiedler (aunt), Lisa Braceland (aunt), Patrick Groetzinger (cousin), Chris and Christine Braceland (uncle/aunt), Jackie, Vivian, and Claudia Braceland (cousins), Sandra Fiedler (grandmother), Andre and Elise Carrier (aunt/uncle), Riley, Delaney, AJ, Owen, & Levi Carrier (cousins) along with countless friends, teammates, classmates, coaches, and loved ones who will carry his memory forward every day. Blake is welcomed in Heaven with open arms by his loving grandparents Jeannie Fiedler, Norman Fiedler and Norbert and Ann Braceland. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 28th, 2026, at 10:00AM – 1:00PM at Toomey O’Brien Funeral Home, 1043 Westfield Street, West Springfield, MA 01089. In lieu of flowers donations to Blake’s Buddies found on instagram , checks can be made out to Blake Braceland Foundation and mailed to Westfield Bank, 141 Elm Street, Westfield, MA 01085. Fearless in spirit. Endless in love. Forever remembered.

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05/19/2026

Thomas M Gavin

Thomas M Gavin, 78, of West Springfield, MA passed away May 18th, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Springfield MA, on September 12, 1947. He was the son of William and Gloria Arcand (Bongiorni). Tom was a graduate of Commerce High School and STCC and worked for the Southwick School System. He was a US Marine Corp veteran who served in the Vietnam War. He was referred to as Tom, but most proudly Nuno. His heart belonged to his wife, kids, grandkids and great grandchild. He lived his life selflessly taking care of the kids and always putting his family before himself. He loved camping trips with his wife and daughters and as he got older, he loved spending summers at York Beach, Maine with grandkids in tow. He married his wife of 42 years in O’ahu, Hawaii in 1984. He not only married his beloved Pam but proudly became the father to Pam’s two daughters Chrissy and Corie, who without a doubt, took in as his own. Nuno was a selfless man who spent his entire life making sure his family was taken care of and never struggled. He was a devoted sports fan, most specifically the Red Sox and Patriots. He especially enjoyed coaching West Springfield youth sports for his two daughters and grandson for many years. He loved peanut m&ms and a good manhattan. You would find him in his little nook of the family room reading the paper or doing crossword puzzles. He knew everyone in town, and everyone knew him. And if you knew him, you knew his favorite thing to say was to stop taking life so seriously and to just laugh. His family will never forget his sarcastic jokes and how he found humor in every situation. He was honorable, carefree, selfless and devoted. He was the first to pick up the phone for spam callers, because he could never just let it ring. He was someone you could sit back and talk about life with, where you felt listened to. He was the keeper of everyone’s secrets, never breaking your trust in him. He had so many stories to tell, and so much perspective to offer. His family feels honored to have lived a life with Tom, and so grateful for the beautiful memories, stories and laughter that will last forever in their hearts. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Pamela (Weaver) Gavin, and his treasured children, Christine Foley and her husband Chris of Southwick, and Corinne Boucher of West Springfield. He also leaves behind his father William Arcand of Agawam, his siblings, Bruce Gavin and Laurie of Springfield, William Arcand and wife Kate of Northampton, Pamela Silva and husband Teddy of Springfield and Lucinda Duda and late husband Bob of Wilbraham. He also leaves behind his nephew Bryant Duda of Wilbraham, his cherished grandchildren, Madelyne and husband Anthony, Samantha, Eric, Teagan and Ryan and his adored great grandson, Weston. He was pre-deceased by his mother Gloria Arcand (Bongiorni) of Springfield, and nephew Robert Duda of Wilbraham. A funeral home service will be held Wednesday May 27, 2026 noon at the Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home followed by burial with military honors at the Mass Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. A calling hour will be 11am till noon. The family asks in lieu of flowers, donations to be contributed to your own choice of charity in Tom’s name.

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05/18/2026

Paula J. Allen

West Springfield – Paula Jean (Jones) Allen, 77, of Humphrey Lane passed away Thursday at home surrounded by her family. She was born on May 21, 1948, to the late Dora (Ackley) and Arthur Jones. She spent all her life in West Springfield and was a 1966 graduate of West Springfield High School. She was a homemaker for a good portion of her life, but worked at the West Side Sports Shop, the former Smith Drug, and before that she was a hairdresser at Fran’s Beauty Shop formerly of Springfield. She was a longtime communicant of St. Thomas the Apostle Church and was a member of their Women’s Club. Paula was also a member of the West Springfield St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.

Throughout her four children’s years at Mitteneague Elementary School and St. Thomas the Apostle School, Paula was a dedicated volunteer and contributor, and she also devoted her time to supporting the West Springfield High School Terriers Athletics Booster Clubs.

She was the loving wife of 54 years to John “Jack” R. Allen III. Beloved mother of Kevin Allen and his wife Amalia, Donna Ginty and her husband Jason, and Tara Allen and her partner Mike Cavanagh all of West Springfield and Jay Allen and his companion Jessica Daniels of North Port, FL.

Devoted grandmother of Tyler, Cameron and Marina Allen. Niamh, Siobhan and Danny Ginty. Calleigh, Keira and Quinn Johnson. Jackson and Callum Allen. Paula also leaves her caring sister-in-law Mary Allen of West Springfield.

The wake will be Thursday (5/21) from 4–6 PM at the TOOMEY-O’BRIEN FUNERAL HOME. The Funeral Mass will be Friday at 11 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Church. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Paula’s memory may be made to the West Springfield Youth Sports Association, P.O. Box 868, West Springfield, MA 01090.

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05/14/2026

James M Beaudry

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our dear brother, uncle and friend, James Michael (Jim) Beaudry, of West Springfield, who passed away on May 5, 2026, at the age of 60.

Burial will be private. A Celebration of Life is planned for family and friends. The Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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04/30/2026

Joseph M. Turner, III

West Springfield – Joseph M. Turner III passed away unexpectedly with loving family by his side on April 20 in Dawsonville, GA. He was 78 years old. Born in Atlanta, GA, he was one of two sons born to the late Joseph Turner II and his wife Lucille (Powers) Turner. Joe was raised in GA and came to MA when he was stationed at Westover Air Force Base from 1968-72. He met the love of his life Sharon Paige during this time. They were married in 1970 and were stationed in Guam for a year before settling in West Springfield.

Right out of high school Joe went to Dekalb Tech and earned his Mechanics degree, he was a mechanic all his life and was able to fix anything. Joe was also a Westover Firefighter for 20 years. He was an auto enthusiast. Although he owned many cars throughout his life, he was especially devoted to Chevrolets, most notably his 1965 Electric Blue Chevelle. If you knew Joe, you knew he had witty jokes and a wonderful sense of humor. He especially loved to engage with his Grandchildren and make them laugh. He was unassuming but once you got to know him, he was a friend for life.

In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his devoted wife Sharon this past January. He leaves his brother James Turner and his wife Carole Turner. He will be deeply missed by his daughters Wendy Browning and her husband Stephen of West Springfield, and Carla Tacke and her husband Andrew of Huntington. He also will be deeply missed by his Grandchildren, Natalie & Christopher Jones and Ryan & Ashley Tacke.

There will be a Memorial Visitation at TOOMEY-O’BRIEN FUNERAL HOME from 8:30-9:30am on May 8 followed by a 10am Committal Service at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joe’s name to the Western Mass Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous, https://westernmassaa.org/suggested-contributions.

View Joseph M. Turner, III's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/30/2026

Joseph M. Turner III

Joseph M. Turner III passed away unexpectedly with loving family by his side on April 20 in Dawsonville, GA. He was 78 years old. Born in Atlanta, GA, he was one of two sons born to the late Joseph Turner II and his wife Lucille (Powers) Turner. Joe was raised in GA and came to MA when he was stationed at Westover Air Force Base from 1968-72. He met the love of his life Sharon Paige during this time. They were married in 1970 and were stationed in Guam for a year before settling in West Springfield.

Right out of high school Joe went to Dekalb Tech and earned his Mechanics degree, he was a mechanic all his life and was able to fix anything. Joe was also a Westover Firefighter for 20 years. He was an auto enthusiast. Although he owned many cars throughout his life, he was especially devoted to Chevrolets, most notably his 1965 Electric Blue Chevelle. If you knew Joe, you knew he had witty jokes and a wonderful sense of humor. He especially loved to engage with his Grandchildren and make them laugh. He was unassuming but once you got to know him, he was a friend for life.

In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his devoted wife Sharon this past January. He leaves his brother James Turner and his wife Carole Turner. He will be deeply missed by his daughters Wendy Browning and her husband Stephen of West Springfield, and Carla Tacke and her husband Andrew of Huntington. He also will be deeply missed by his Grandchildren, Natalie & Christopher Jones and Ryan & Ashley Tacke.

There will be a Memorial Visitation at TOOMEY-O’BRIEN FUNERAL HOME from 8:30-9:30am on May 8 followed by a 10am Committal Service at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joe’s name to any local Alcoholics Anonymous chapter.

View Joseph M. Turner III's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/30/2026

Susan Linda LaFlamme

Susan Linda (Prucnal) LaFlamme passed away on April 24 in Westfield. She was 77 years old. Born in Chicopee on August 26, 1948, she was one of two daughters born to the late Edward and Rose (Petlak) Prucnal. She was a graduate of Commerce High School in Springfield and lived in West Springfield until moving to Agawam 40 years ago.

Susan worked as an insurance claims adjuster in Enfield and Hartford, CT, and was also a longtime clerk for the West Springfield Employee Credit Union. She could often be found tending her beloved flower garden. She enjoyed entertaining, cooking, and baking and her home was a hub for birthdays, holidays, and other celebrations.

Susan was predeceased by her husbands Tage Brannkarr and Michael LaFlamme. She was the devoted mother of Mark Brannkarr and Jeffrey Brannkarr and his wife Theresa of West Springfield and sister of Janice Kane of NY. She will be dearly missed by her longtime companion Stephen Morris of Agawam.

Calling hours will be Friday May 8th from 3-5 PM followed by a Funeral Service at TOOMEY-O'BRIEN FUNERAL HOME, 1043 Westfield Street, West Springfield, MA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Susan’s name to The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1120, Framingham, MA 01701 or The Activities Dept at Vantage Health and Rehab of Westfield, 60 E Silver St, Westfield, MA 01085.

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04/28/2026

Barbara A. Leshinski

West Springfield – Barbara Ann (Cavallon) Leshinski, 85, of Rogers Avenue passed away Sunday (4/26/26) at Mount Marie in Holyoke. She was born on September 1, 1939, in Springfield to the late Victor and Norma Cavallon. She lived all of her life in West Springfield and was a graduate of West Springfield H.S. Barbara worked at an in-home daycare for many years before later working as a bookkeeper for the former Simcovitz Containers and Edaron Puzzles, formerly of Holyoke. She was originally a communicant of Immaculate Conception Church and more recently St. Thomas the Apostle Church in West Springfield. She was an active member of the West Springfield Senior Center, where she enjoyed yoga classes, attended trips, and participated in many other activities. She was the beloved widow of the late John Leshinski (2023); loving mother of Rick Leshinski and his wife Brenda of South Hadley, and the late Donna Mattson (2001) and Darin Leshinski (2024); caring sister of Jack Cavallon and his wife Sue of West Springfield; devoted grandmother of Tiffany Mattson and Autumn Leshinski; and cherished great-grandmother of Gianna Marie Torres. Calling hours will be 9:00–10:00 AM Friday (5/1) at TOOMEY-O’BRIEN FUNERAL HOME, 1043 Westfield Street, West Springfield, followed by a Funeral Home Service at 10:00 AM. Burial will be at St. Thomas Cemetery in West Springfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. For more information, please visit www.toomeyobrien.com.

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04/28/2026

Karen Connelly

West Springfield—Karen (Lolos) Connelly, 85, of Field Street passed away Saturday (4/25/26) at home surrounded by her family. She was born in Springfield on June 18, 1940, to the late Mary (Vaselacopoulos) and Harry Lolos. She was a graduate of Springfield Tech H.S. and lived most of her life in West Springfield. Karen worked in the Admissions Office of Providence Hospital for over 20 years. She was a longtime communicant of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Springfield. She loved gardening, decorating her home, and spending time with her family. She also enjoyed Bingo and her occasional trips down to the casinos.

She was the beloved wife of 61 years to Edward S. Connelly, loving mother of John Matthews and his wife Cheryll of Westfield, Mary Ann Pashko and her husband Francis of West Springfield, Diane Sheil and her husband Christopher of West Springfield, and Michael Matthews and his wife Carolyn of Chapel Hill, NC, caring sister of Theodore Lolos and his wife Linda of Feeding Hills, and the late Ann Judycki, Dorothy Yacovone, and George Lolos. She was the cherished grandmother of James, Karen, Thomas, William, Rachel, Joseph, Nicholas and Margaret and great-grandmother of eight. Karen also leaves her lifelong friends, Mary Goodreau and Sheree Lolos.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Beacon Hospice for the wonderful care and compassion shown.

There will be a private committal service at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home has been entrusted with all arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Karen’s memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1120, Framingham, MA 01701. For more information, please visit www.toomeyobrien.com

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